Rodgers makes ball-playing centre-back top January transfer target after praising him

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As per reports, Celtic are closing in on the signing of Dundee defender Jack Hendry ahead of the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old, who has often been compared with Manchester City’s John Stones due to his ball-playing abilities, is also being monitored by Premier League trio Southampton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.

Celtic failed to bring in a defender during the summer transfer window, and it has since remained top of manager Brendan Rodgers’ January transfer agenda.

Lack of depth in the centre-back department has been of concern for the Hoops boss, and he seems to have been personally scouting opposition defenders.

Celtic laboured to a 1-nil win over Dundee in October, and Hendry caught the eyes of an impressed Rodgers who remarked post-match: “The boy Hendry at the back I thought was excellent.

“He’s quick and strong, and is a good size. Scotland need centre-halves and he looks a talent.”

Hendry, a former Partick Thistle player, spent the last 2 seasons on loan with League One sides Shrewsbury Town and Milton Keynes Dons having failed to impress Wigan Athletic.

He returned to Scottish football this summer and could be on his way to Parkhead next month after impressing with Dundee.